A 30-year association with football has culminated with Barry Jones being bestowed one of Football NSW’s most prestigious honours – the George Churchward Medal. Football NSW’s annual state dinner was held at Warwick Farm on Saturday, recognising those who have provided consistent and invaluable services to community football. Jones, a stalwart of his original club Bangor, was given the main award of the night for his contribution to football in the shire. Jones started out in football when his two sons registered to play in 1988, covering a number of positions across his sons’ teams as well as the club and Sutherland Shire Football Association. In addition to coaching for 20 years, Jones was also a vice-president, secretary and equipment officer before he became a life member of Bangor in 1997. Jones was elected to the association’s management committee in 1999 where he has held a number of positions including vice-president, assistant secretary and SSFA’s delegate to Football NSW. He was voted in as a SSFA life member in 2008 before receiving a Football NSW merit award a year later. His connection with Bangor has continued to the next generation, with Jones now able to watch his grandchildren play with the Brumbies. Jones wasn’t SSFA’s only winner on the night, with John Lane winning a state award for his service to Loftus Yarrawarrah Rovers. State awards formally recognise individuals for their contribution at club, association, branch or state level and their often tireless efforts in their football community. Lane has been heavily involved on the Loftus Yarrawarrah committee for more than 20 years in addition to playing and managing his son’s team. He is club president and has been the association delegate since 1995. Lane was awarded life membership in 2004 and received an SSFA merit award in 2009. Connells Point Rovers president Stephen Matthews was also given a state award for his work in the St George Football Association.